Preparing the Pilgrim’s Physical Backpack

Nicolás Bavaresco
Physical Education Teacher
IES Neil Armstrong, Valdemoro

As part of our eTwinning project The Way of Saint James: A European Journey of Self-Discovery, our students worked on one of the most practical and meaningful aspects of the Camino: the pilgrim’s physical backpack.

Walking the Camino is not only a cultural, spiritual or historical experience. It is also a physical challenge. A pilgrim needs to prepare carefully, choose the right equipment, carry only what is necessary and understand how to protect their body during the journey.

For this reason, students were invited to think like real pilgrims and answer an essential question:

What should a young pilgrim carry for a one-day stage of the Camino de Santiago?

The activity helped students connect Physical Education with health, safety, sustainability and responsible travel. They researched essential items, organized them into categories and reflected on why each object could be useful during the walk.

Students worked with different sections:

  • Clothing and weather
  • Hydration and food
  • Health and first aid
  • Safety and navigation
  • Sustainability

One of the most important parts of the activity was learning how to distribute the weight inside the backpack. Students discovered that a backpack is not just a bag where we put things randomly. It must be organized in a safe and ergonomic way.

They learned that light and bulky items should be placed at the bottom, heavier items should stay in the middle and close to the back, and frequently used objects should be easy to reach at the top or in the outer pockets.

This allowed students to understand how correct weight distribution can help pilgrims walk more comfortably, save energy and prevent injuries.

Another key element was the mini first-aid kit. Students had to think about common problems on the Camino, such as blisters, small cuts, sun exposure or muscle pain. They selected basic items and explained their purpose, connecting the activity with prevention, self-care and personal responsibility.

Sustainability was also present throughout the task. Students reflected on how pilgrims can reduce waste by using reusable bottles, avoiding unnecessary packaging, choosing local products and carrying only what they really need.

For their final products, students chose between two creative options:

Option 1: Podcast Interview
Some students prepared a short interview explaining what a pilgrim should pack, how to organize the backpack and what health and sustainability tips should be followed.

Option 2: Infographic
Other students designed a visual guide showing the correct organization of the backpack, essential items, first-aid materials and eco-friendly recommendations.

Through this activity, students did not only learn what to pack. They learned how to make decisions as responsible pilgrims: decisions that protect their health, respect the environment and make the Camino a safer and more sustainable experience.

The Camino teaches us that every step matters.
This activity reminded us that every object we carry also matters.

Below you can see some examples of the students’ final products:

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